How to wash and care for a bamboo mattress protector

A bamboo mattress protector is soft, quiet and comfortable to sleep on, and with a little care it will stay that way for a long time. Our Darby Bedding™ Bamboo bed pad is made to handle up to 300 washes while staying waterproof and absorbent. These simple habits help yours go the distance.

Washing your pad

Pop it in the washing machine with your usual mild detergent, liquid or powder, at the temperature shown on the care label. That's all it needs. A normal wash keeps the bamboo top fresh and soft and the waterproof layer working as it should.

It's a good idea to wash a new pad once before you first use it.

What to leave out of the wash

Three things can weaken the waterproof layer over time, so it's best to avoid them:

• Bleach, including detergents and sprays that contain it
• Fabric softener, which coats the fibres and makes them less absorbent
• All-in-one pods with softener built in

Leaving these out is the single best thing you can do to help your pad last.

Dealing with stains

Don't worry, it happens. Treat a stain the way you would on clothes, with a stain remover such as Vanish, then wash the pad as usual. Just steer clear of anything containing bleach. Rinsing the pad in cold water first, if you can, helps stop stains setting.

Drying

A tumble dryer on a low heat is the quickest way. High heat can damage the waterproof layer, so keep it low. No dryer? It dries quickly on a washing line, a clothes airer or over a radiator. Give it a feel before it goes back on the bed to make sure it's completely dry, including the flaps.

How often should you wash it?

• After any accident or spill, as soon as you can
• If you use it for night sweats, every few days, or whenever it feels damp
• Otherwise, wash it when you change your sheets

Keep a spare ready

Having two pads makes life easier: one on the bed and one clean and ready. If you need a change in the night, just lift off the used pad, lay the fresh one in its place and tuck in the flaps. There's no need to strip the bed, and you can be back to sleep in moments.

Storing spare pads

Once they're clean and completely dry, fold your pads and keep them somewhere cool and dry, like an airing cupboard shelf or a drawer, out of direct sunlight. A basket by the bed is handy for night-time changes. Avoid sealed plastic boxes for long periods, as fabric is happiest with a little air.

When to replace your pad

With the right care, your pad should give you hundreds of nights of protection. It's time for a new one if you notice:

• Damp patches coming through to the sheet underneath
• Thinning, holes or tears in the fabric
• The flaps or piped edges coming apart

Quick care checklist

• Machine wash with a mild detergent
• No bleach, fabric softener or softener pods
• Tumble dry on low, or air dry
• Make sure it's fully dry before use
• Keep a clean spare ready

Still choosing a pad? Read our guide on how to choose a waterproof mattress protector for adults, check our size guide, or browse our adult bed pads.